UTILITIES: Public hearing for IURC tonight

April 9, 2013

COLUMBIA CITY â€” Columbia Cityâ€™s Common Council will hear input from citizens regarding its desire to withdraw the electric and water utilities from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) at tonightâ€™s meeting at 7 p.m.

The first reading of the ordinance to withdraw the utilities from the IURC passed unanimously at the Tuesday, March 26 council meeting. Between that meeting and the present, city officials have received some feedback, although not a great deal.

â€śWe havenâ€™t gotten much,â€ť said Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel. â€śOnly two (of the councilman) have received public comment or question.â€ť

Tonightâ€™s meeting will be one more opportunity for citizens to give elected officials their input. Daniel hopes people come if they need clarity.

â€śThe whole purpose of the public hearing is to take in citizensâ€™ concerns, answer questions about the move and just get public opinion about it,â€ť he said. â€śWeâ€™re trying to get as much information out as possible.â€ť

One resident attended the March 26 meeting to provide comment to the council. The consensus at the time was that the elected officials wished for more public input if individuals have questions.

â€śThe public hearing is a great time for residents and customers to hear additional information, draw their own conclusions and give us their opinions,â€ť Daniel said.

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